AquaZenia

Case 5: AquaZenia

Water Innovation within Earth’s Limits

AquaZenia is a Portuguese cleantech startup developing closed-loop water systems for residential and public buildings. Its technology recycles water from sinks, showers, and laundry for use in toilets and irrigation. Founder Helena Correia uses a transformational leadership approach to encourage experimentation and maintain the company’s ecological mission despite market resistance.

In this case, you will explore:

• how freshwater use relates to planetary boundaries;
• how businesses can develop solutions that strengthen environmental resilience;
• how personal leadership style can influence sustainable innovation and organisational behaviour.

AquaZenia connects environmental limits with leadership, showing that technological solutions alone are not enough: the people leading organisations also influence whether sustainability remains central to decision-making.

Main learning theme: Planetary Boundaries
Additional learning theme: Personal Leadership Style
Suitable for: Learners interested in water management, cleantech, leadership, resilience, or environmental innovation